Mercury ( Budha ):
Budha has four hands and rides on a chariot or Lion . Out of which , three of his hands holds a sword , a shield and a mace and the fourth hand is in a mudra .
The Mantras and meanings : Priyangu Kalikaa Shyamam Rupenaa Pratimam Budham Sowmyam Sowmya Guno Petam Tam Budham Prana Maa Myaham
Meaning : I pray to Mercury , who has a dark blue complexion and whose beauty is incomparable . He possesses gentle , charming qualities . Gemstone is emerald .
The planets , their representations and favorable days to chant : Mercury ( Budha ) – communication . — Thursday
Calendar and Hindu astrology : Budha is the root of the word ' Budhavara ' or Wednesday in the Hindu calendar . The word " Wednesday " in the Greco-Roman and other Indo-European calendars is also dedicated to planet Mercury - " day of Woden or Oden ".
Budha is part of the Navagraha in Hindu zodiac system , considered benevolent , associated with an agile mind and memory . The role and importance of the Navagraha developed over time with various influences . Deifying planetary bodies and their astrological significance occurred as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas . The earliest work of astrology recorded in India is the Vedanga Jyotisha which began to be compiled in the 14th century BCE . The classical planets , including Mercury , were referenced in the Atharvaveda around 1000 BCE . The Navagraha was furthered by additional contributions from Western Asia , including Zoroastrian and Hellenistic influences . The Yavanajataka , or Science of the Yavanas , was written by the Indo-Greek named " Yavanesvara " under the rule of the Western Kshatrapa king Rudrakarman I .
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